More Snow and now Ice

The influx of SNOWY OWLS continues, but the numbers of new sightings has dropped as most of the birds have likely moved along. Those guys and gals are probably further down the road to New Jersey, Maryland or Virginia – or beyond. They have reached as far south as Florida and even Bermuda. Fortunately for owl fans, a few remained in our area at favorable locations and are easily viewed from safe distances – both for the owls and the adoring public.

Three are regulars along the grassy fields at the Albany International Airport. Although only one or two may be visible at any one time.

A SNOWY OWL resting at Albany Airport

As these owls prefer to sit tight on a grassy knoll or building top through most of the day, hunting for mice and voles at night in the more remote open areas, the owls don’t interfere with airport operations. Occasionally, the ground crew will bump an owl away from the runways if one should decide to hang out too close to the blacktop.

To see one of these owls, get your trusty GPS unit out and plug in 138 Sicker Road, Latham, NY. Once there, you can pull safely off the road and look out across the airfield. Be sure to bring binoculars since the birds will be pretty far out and blend well into the patchwork of snow and grass out there. If your timing is right, there may well be other observers already present to point out the location of one or more of these marvelous Arctic visitors. Be sure to scan the tops of buildings behind you since the birds feel quite comfortable roosting on these man-made “cliffs”.

There is one being seen at the Schenectady County Airport as well. These birds do really like open areas. So, I’d bet there are more out there in fields in our more open farm country. I’d be glad to hear of any additional sightings, such as out in Washington, Montgomery, Fulton, and Schoharie Counties.

While looking for Snowy Owls, be sure to keep an eye out for the occasional SHORT-EARED OWL which has also been seen at the Albany airport. Short-eared Owls can also be found in suitable habitat throughout our area. If you should find one, do let us know. This species is going through some tough times and any sightings are of particular interest. They also like open fields.

Back at the Albany Airport, a Red-tailed Hawk or two, plus a ROUGH-LEGGED HAWK have been seen in the vicinity.

Iceland Gulls can be seen from the parking area at the Power Authority hydro facility on Cohoes-Crescent Road. While there, be sure to scan the hundreds of commoner gulls for the larger white-winged gull, the Glaucous Gull, another winter visitor.

Adult GLOUCOUS GULL. The “other” white-winged gull that visits our area in winter.

Another fun winter bird seen locally is the SNOW GOOSE. Well, these guys should all be way south by now, but an occasional one will show up now and then. This one was mixed in with a bunch of Canada Geese in a corn field in Coxsackie.

Snow Goose. An all-white goose with black wing tips.

CRANES:

Two great birds have returned to our area this year. You may recall that there were two SANDHILL CRANES staying overnight at a small opening along the Mohawk River right in front of the Klamsteam Tavern on Towpath Road in Crescent, Saratoga County. Well, they’re back!. They’ve been coming for their nightly roost each evening at about 4 30 or so. If there isn’t too much snowmobile activity along this otherwise quiet stretch of the river’s backwater, the birds can easily be seen from a canoe launch pull off on Towpath Road.

Sandhill Crane – Two have returned to spend the winter along the Mohawk River on Towpath Road

The two are a very dedicated pair, traveling together to some unknown location for the day, then returning to their favorite night roost, right across from the Klamsteam Tavern in Clifton Park. Last year they spent most of their days at the Colonie Crossings. This year, we don’t know where they go. But we know where they return for the night. I’ll be there this evening looking for their return. Join me.

FEEDER BIRDS:

With the harshest part of winter approaching, keeping those bird feeders is important for our backyard birds. Keep an eye out for the occasional rarity that might be attracted to your yard. If you should see a Green-tailed Towhee or Golden-crowned Sparrow amongst the more frequent visitors, be sure to let us know. Well, OK. Don’t limit your reports to extreme rarities such as those two. Let us know what birds are stopping by. I’ll pass the word on and share your good fortune with all our readers. OK?